Haworthia leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a leaf of a Haworthia pumila plant. A section has been cut away to reveal the underlyin

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Haworthia leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a leaf of a Haworthia pumila plant. A section has been cut away to reveal the underlying cells. The leaf is covered with a layer of epicuticular wax (blue) which protects it from evaporation and plant-eating animals. The crater-like structures on the leaf's surface are breathing pores or stomata. These regulate the exchange of gases between the leaf and the atmosphere. Within the cells are chloroplasts (green balls), the sites of photosynthesis. Haworthia is a succulent plant which is native to desert regions. It is often used a household plant. Magnification: x200 at 6x7cm size. x300 at 4x5ins

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Size: 5455px × 4414px
Photo credit: © EYE OF SCIENCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: botany, chloroplasts, cuticle, defence, desert, epicuticular, haworthia, leaf, leaves, nature, plant, plants, pumila, sectioned, sem, stomata, succulent, wax